Atdom Patsalis
Sentenced to 292 years in prison
Atdom Patsalis was released from prison in September 2024 after serving over 10 years. In 2013, Atdom (then 21 years old) was living in Bullhead City, Arizona, and struggling with drug addiction. Over a 10-week period, he stole random items from homes, garages, and vehicles to barter in exchange for a place to stay. When Atdom was arrested, he confessed, and even told police where some of the items were so that they could be returned to their owners.
Atdom was prosecuted in Mohave County, convicted of 25 counts of burglary-related crimes, and sentenced to 292 years in prison. He was ordered to pay $5,400 in restitution for stolen items.
In 2016, Atdom sent a letter to AJP stating, “I have no idea what to do and in hope of some help.” By that time, Atdom had filed an appeal arguing his 292-year sentence violated the 8th Amendment’s prohibition against claim of cruel and unusual punishment. The Arizona Court of Appeals, remarkably, rejected Atdom’s arguments, letting the 292-year sentence stand. Unfortunately, the Arizona Supreme Court denied further review.
In 2018, the AJP took on Atdom’s case and petitioned the United States District Court, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court arguing that Atdom’s 292-year sentence was in violation of the 8th Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. Atdom was unfortunately denied relief.
With nowhere else to turn, Atdom and the Arizona Justice Project filed an application with the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency seeking a commutation of sentence. In May of 2024, the Board voted unanimously to recommend a commutation of Atdom’s sentence from 292 years to “10 years to life,” making Atdom immediately eligible for parole. On July 24, 2024, Governor Hobbs granted the commutation and Atdom was ultimately released on parole on September 19, 2024.
While incarcerated, Atdom worked hard not to lose hope. Atdom is now 31 years old and sober. He spent his days in prison reading books on psychology and philosophy, working in the recreation room, practicing cross-fit and yoga, making cheesecake, writing a book, and creating music that he hopes to perform in the free world.